Quick Answer
Shey Palace, 15 km from Leh: the old summer palace of Ladakh's kings, its two-storey Shakyamuni Buddha, Sindhu Darshan by the Indus, and how to visit with Thiksey.
Shey, about 15 km south-east of Leh, was once the summer capital of the kings of Ladakh. The palace and monastery stand on a ridge above the village and the Indus. Inside the monastery is a large seated Shakyamuni Buddha of gilded copper, about 12 m tall, rising through two storeys and counted among the largest metal statues in Ladakh.
Quick answer
Shey Palace is about 15 km from Leh (25 minutes) at around 3,400 m, on the road to Thiksey and Hemis. Allow 45 minutes to an hour. Visit it between Thiksey prayers and Hemis.
What to see
- The two-storey seated Buddha in the monastery temple.
- The old palace walls and ruins along the ridge, with chortens around the hill.
- Views over the Indus and the green fields of Shey, famous for its pond and willows.
Sindhu Darshan
Shey is the venue for Sindhu Darshan, a festival celebrating the Indus river held each June, with cultural programmes on the riverbank. It draws visitors from across India.
Getting there
| From | Distance | Drive |
|---|---|---|
| Leh | About 15 km | 25 minutes |
| Thiksey | About 5 km | 10 minutes |
| Hemis | About 30 km | 45 minutes |
| Rancho school (Druk White Lotus) | About 2 km | 5 minutes |
The Druk White Lotus School nearby became famous after the film 3 Idiots and is a common stop; it is a working school, so visit only at times it allows.
How to visit a Ladakhi monastery respectfully
- Walk clockwise around stupas, prayer wheels and the inside of the prayer hall, as the monks do.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered. Remove shoes and hats before entering a prayer hall.
- Ask before photographing monks, and do not use flash inside. Some halls do not allow photos at all; follow the signs.
- Do not touch statues, murals or offerings, and never point your feet at an altar when sitting.
- A small entry fee is charged at most monasteries and supports their upkeep. Carry cash; card machines are rare.
- Morning prayers are open to quiet visitors at many gompas. Sit at the back and stay until the end if you go in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Shey Palace from Leh?
About 15 km south-east on the road to Thiksey, around 25 minutes.
How big is the Shey Buddha?
The seated gilded-copper Shakyamuni Buddha is about 12 m tall and rises through two floors.
What is Sindhu Darshan?
A festival celebrating the Indus river, held at Shey each June.
Can I visit Shey and Thiksey together?
Yes, they are about 5 km apart on the same road.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.